Hornets play crucial role in proposed trade involving Knicks, Warriors

The Charlotte Hornets have a bright future ahead with LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, but they could use more draft capital.

That’s why Charlotte would be interested in three-team trade scenarios where they help two contenders make the money work while receiving draft picks in return.

One such trade involving the New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors was recently proposed by Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley.

The trade would send two second-round picks (2026, 2028) from Golden State (via Atlanta) to Charlotte, along with Gary Payton II and Kevin Looney. The Knicks would receive Josh Green from the Hornets and the Warriors would land Mitchell Robinson from the Knicks.

“If (the Warriors) think they'll need an impact big to hang with the NBA's elite, they might see Mitchell Robinson as a viable option,” Buckley said. “This deal wouldn't go down any time soon, as the bouncy big man may not hit the hardwood until the next calendar year, but the fact he's hobbled now should help keep his trade cost reasonable.”

“A healthy Robinson is a dynamic, above-the-rim center. He's an explosive lob-finisher, an active glass-cleaner and a don't-even-think-about-it rim-protector. … Robinson could be the ideal anchor for this defense and a lob threat teams must constantly monitor on the offensive end.”

“As for New York, the Karl-Anthony Towns trade may have rendered Robinson expendable, and the Knicks could consider dealing him to fill a need elsewhere. Their wing rotation thins out quickly behind Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Josh Hart, so they might seek out Josh Green as another three-and-D support piece.”

“Charlotte, meanwhile, might be drawn to tone-setters like Kevon Looney and Gary Payton II, particularly if it looks this team could be in the play-in picture. The Hornets have plenty of young talent, all of which could benefit from being around proven winners (and tireless workers) like Looney and Payton. Throw in a couple of future second-rounders from an Atlanta Hawks franchise with a very uncertain path in front of it, and that could be enough for Charlotte to bite.”

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